What Is Adrenal Cortical Cancer?
About the adrenal glands The adrenals are small glands that sit above each of the kidneys. The kidneys are located deep inside the upper part of the abdomen. The adrenal gland is made up of 2 parts. The outer part, called the cortex, is where the adrenal cortical tumors develop. The function of the cortex is to produce certain hormones for the body. These hormones all possess a similar chemical structure and are called steroids. They include: • cortisol — causes changes in metabolism that help the body to handle stress. • aldosterone — helps the kidneys regulate the amount of salt in the blood and tissues of the body. • androgens and estrogens — In men, the testicles produce most of the androgens (male hormones). The ovaries produce most of the estrogens (female hormones) in women. However, the adrenal glands produce small amounts of both androgens and estrogens in men and women. The inner portion of the adrenal gland, called the medulla, is really an extension of the nervous system
